“...I have been able to scale multiple businesses off of organic social media reach alone. No email marketing, no paid ads. Literally just organic reach. And word of mouth. And I mean, I think that speaks volumes to it.”In this inspiring episode of Startups in Stilettos, we sit down with Entreprenista League member and Powerhouse Latina founder Nicole Leone—the dynamic force behind El Leone Virtual Assistance, a boutique executive support agency trusted by heart-led brands, boutique law firms, and scrappy scaling founders.Nicole takes us behind the scenes of her journey from “ex-corporate baddie” to self-made, bootstrapped entrepreneur. She opens up about the moments that pushed her out of corporate America, the lash business she built in her living room that gave her the freedom to leap, and how she transformed the very traits she was once criticized for—empathy, emotional intelligence, and connection—into her entrepreneurial superpowers.What we talked about:Starting the Virtual Assistant [3:15]A Super Side Hustle [8:21]Planning Online Content [12:20]Using Social Media [15:27]Being in the Right Alignment [19:51]Connect with Nicole:Website @lleon.va or @thenicoleleon on Instagram Nicole Leon on LinkedinConnect with Carlyn: @carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn Carlyn Bushman Consulting Connect with Ingrid: @itsingridsworld on Instagram Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin Grow With Community Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
